The Longmont Twin Peaks Rotary Club presented $2,500 to the Longmont Police Department to help support community members they encounter.
Rotary President Ashley Kasprzak presented a check to Longmont Police Chief Jeff Satur on Tuesday. She explained that Ben’s Club is an informal donation pool named after Benjamin Franklin for the donations that come in anonymous increments of $100 and go to people in $100 increments.
Longmont police officers nominate a resident they encounter who may be victims of crime, traffic crashes or other events that put them in contact with the police. The officers receive the donation that can then be returned to the family or individual.
“The objectives of Ben’s Club are to support individuals who are in crisis, recognize and support the important role police staff play in our community and build bridges between members of the community and police staff,” Kasprzak said.
She added that 76 residents so far have been helped through the fund.
“It’s a great program,” Satur said. “The officers love being able to give back and help. Our community and the donors are exceptional and very generous.”
Kasprzak said the rotary club is also looking at ways to formalize Ben’s Club so that the program is ongoing.
